CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Helmand Provincial Governor Gulab Mangal attended a graduation ceremony of the Afghan Uniformed Police course at Joint Security Academy Southwest here, April 7.
Mangal was witness to 98 newly-graduated Afghan Uniformed Police, who eight weeks ago entered the academy as Afghan civilians and have transformed into policemen, capable of fulfilling their duties as part of the Afghan National Security Force.

“Seeing Mangal here signified how important our job is and how much he is there to support us,” said Islam Mujdeen, the top graduate from the AUP Course.

This was Mangal’s first visit to JSAS since Feb. 20.

With the provincial governor in attendance, students realize how significant this moment is in their life, and how much responsibility the students are taking on in providing security for the future of Afghanistan, said Capt. Joseph L. Dalton, assistant director with JSAS.

“I am very proud of the students here and the progress they have made,” said Mangal. “The kind of professional skills they learned here will make them more capable of doing their job and providing hope for the future of Afghanistan.”

Students at JSAS live, eat, sleep and train with coalition forces.

“We have to appreciate the international forces and the facilities, equipment and training they provide for the Afghan National Security Force,” Mangal said.

Upon completion of the ceremony, Mangal shook the hand of each new policeman and congratulated them for what they had accomplished.